Pakistan has again banned Valentine’s Day events and media coverage of them, after a court ruled the holiday un-Islamic for a second consecutive year.
The judgment prohibited any advertising or the sale of merchandise associated with the day.
In order to comply with the court ruling, Pakistan’s Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) last week sent out instructions to its TV and radio licensees to remind them of the ban.
“Respondents are directed to ensure that nothing about the celebrations of Valentine’s Day and its promotion is spread on the Electronic and Print media,” PEMRA’s directive stated. “No event shall be held on an official level and at any public place. PEMRA is directed to ensure that all the TV channels shall stop the promotion of Valentine’s Day forthwith.”
On Feb. 13, 2017, the Islamabad High Court issued a judgment on a petition claiming Valentine’s Day was spreading “immorality, nudity and indecency” in the society.
The court prohibited Valentine’s Day celebrations in public places and government offices in Islamabad, and further instructed PEMRA to “ensure that nothing about the celebration of Valentine’s Day and its promotion is spread.”
PEMRA’s reminder to media outlets has renewed debate about the romantic celebration among different segments of society. Some view the day as an opportunity to express love, while others question its validity in relevance to Islamic, societal and cultural norms.
Saleema Hashmi, a Lahore-based artist and renowned educator, expressed her frustration with a system that focuses on “irrelevant issues,” rather than making decisions on issues that really impact society and the country.
